Monday, January 23, 2012

Monday Morning Introductions

Here's a sample of the books that came in for review this week. Check them out and then stop by our review site in a few weeks to read the reviews. Not sure about that site? It's Feathered Quill Book Reviews!

Dark is the Sky by Jessica Chambers It's been twelve years since Olivia and Joel Cameron last invited the family to spend the weekend at their country home; a visit that ended in tragedy. Scott, Joel's outrageously sexy youngest brother, was found dead. The repercussions have torn the family apart. Olivia's sister Violet has persuaded her to host a reunion so that they can finally lay their ghosts to rest. However, there are some secrets too destructive to remain hidden, and Violet, still grieving for the man she loved, is determined to uncover the truth. As the web of hostility and deceit begins to unravel, family ties are tested to the limit.

Kings of Colorado by David Hilton William Sheppard had never ventured beyond his Chicago neighborhood until, at thirteen, he was sent away to the Swope Ranch Boys’ Reformatory, hundreds of miles from home, for stabbing his abusive father in the chest with a pocketknife. Buried deep in the Colorado mountains, Swope is shrouded in legend and defined by one prevailing rumor: that the boys who go in never come out the same. Despite the lack of fences or gates, the boundaries are clear: prisoners are days from civilization, there exists only one accessible road—except in the wintertime, when it’s buried under feet upon feet of snow, and anyone attempting escape will be shot down without hesitation in the shadow of the peaks. At 13,000 feet above sea level, the mountains aren’t forgiving, and neither are the guards.

I Just Can't Take It Anymore!: Encouragement When Life Gets You Down by Anthony DeStefano By pairing a thoughtful story line with amusing full-color photographs of children, bestselling author Anthony DeStefano succeeds in delivering a lighthearted look at the age-old question, “why me?” Through photos, especially chosen to bring out a smile, and carefully crafted sentiment, Anthony shares his delightful sense of humor, lifts the reader’s spirit, and plants a firm message of hope and encouragement.

The Donkey That No One Could Ride by Anthony DeStefano Bestselling author Anthony DeStefano begins his creative telling of the beloved Bible story of Christ’s triumphant entry by introducing the young donkey who has yet to realize his important mission. The lowly creature believes he can do nothing noble, but that’s before he meets the Master...
Then Jesus said to the donkey,
“It’s time that you knew
About the great thing
That you’re destined to do...”
He hears the sad donkey cry,
“Just leave me alone and cast me aside.
I’m just a poor donkey that no one can ride.”
Richard Cowdrey’s colorful illustrations pair beautifully with Anthony’s charming rhymes. Together, they bring this timeless story of the donkey who carries Jesus into Jerusalem to a joyful finish. While especially appropriate as an Easter gift, this year-round story is for all time and for young and old alike.

Diary of a Mad Fat Girl by Stephanie McAfee Graciela "Ace" Jones is mad-mad at her best friend Lilly who cancels their annual trip to Panama City for mysterious reasons; at her boss Catherine for "riding her ass like a fat lady on a Rascal scooter;" at her friend Chloe's abusive husband; and especially at Mason McKenzie, the love of her life, who has shown up with a marriage proposal three years too late. Ace is never mad, though, at her near-constant companion, an adorable chiweenie dog named Buster Loo. Ace's anger begins to dissipate as she takes matters into her own hands to take down Chloe's philandering husband-and to get to the bottom of a multitude of other scandals plaguing Bugtussle, Mississippi. Then, she starts to realize that maybe Mason deserves a second chance after all.

The Golden Hour by Margaret Wurtele In this stunning debut set in the summer of 1944 in Tuscany, Giovanna Bellini, the daughter of a wealthy aristocrat and vineyard owner, has just turned seventeen and is on the cusp of adulthood. War bears down on her peaceful little village after the Italians sign a separate peace with the Allies-transforming the Germans into an occupying army. But when her brother joins the Resistance, he asks Giovanna to hide a badly wounded fighter who is Jewish. As she nurses him back to health, she falls helplessly in love with the brave and humble Marco, who comes from as ancient and noble an Italian family as she does. They pledge their love, and then must fight a real battle against the Nazis who become more desperate and cruel as the Allies close in on them...

Cat Calls by Jeanne Adlon Thirty-five years ago, Jeanne Adlon became New York City s first full-time cat sitter, and since then, she has done it all. Jeanne has dodged tarantulas, served up kosher cat meals, and fed pampered felines in Waterford crystal goblets. Cat Calls recounts Jeanne s experiences, from adventures with quirky cats to the challenges faced by a woman who s determined to reach her clients despite blinding winter storms. But since Jeanne Adlon is no ordinary cat sitter, Cat Calls offers far more than tales of the cat. Over years of devoting herself to feline needs, Jeanne has become a recognized expert on cat care, so along with coauthor Susan Logan, Cat Fancy editor and fellow cat expert, Jeanne designed each of Cat Calls chapters to focus on important issues for cat owners, including adopting new pets, feeding your cat, coping with litter box problems, and much more. Charming anecdotes about Jeanne s furry clients add examples of cat-care strategies that work.

Morgan Horses are My Favorite by Elaine Landau Do you like horses? Then you'll love learning all about the Morgan horse. Morgan horses are fast and strong, and they have a rich and captivating history. Did you know that the breed was named after a schoolteacher? Or that Morgan horses helped to settle the West? Learn more about Morgans in this fun and fascinating book!

Quarter Horses are My Favorite! by Elaine Landau Do you like horses? Then you'll love learning all about the American quarter horse. American quarter horses are nimble and well-built. Did you know that these horses are famous for their calm and gentle natures? Or that police officers who work on horseback often choose American quarter horses? Learn more about Quarter horses in this fun and fascinating book!